Several local social service programs are getting a boost in funding this year from the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“In total, United Way is investing an additional $130,000 in community programs over and above the millions committed in previous years,” local United Way executive director Ken Dardano said in a news release. “Thanks to the tremendous support from donors, we have been able to increase our investment in the community 45 per cent over the past five years.”
This year, the organization is providing funding for 86 programs and 53 community agencies, the release said.
“United Way has committed $2.5 million in funding this year,” Dardano said.
Among those that will see an increase in funding this year are Give Yourself Credit, with an increase of $19,620, and Women In Crisis, which will get a $15,000 increase for its Sexual Assault Centre and Rural Women’s Support Program, the release said.
The Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition will also receive a one-year, $50,000 grant to help with capacity building and program development, it said.
There are also several new agencies and programs that will receive funding, including Onward Willow Better Beginnings Better Futures, which is getting $47,500, and East Wellington Community Services’ Community Outreach Program, which will get $35,000.
Local volunteers manage the distribution of United Way funds, researching and meeting with agencies applying for funding to learn how programs address local issues, the release said. Funds are invested based on identified community needs, it said. “It’s thanks to the ongoing support of donors that we can invest in vital social programs,” said Dardano. “Their support allows United Way to provide the consistent funding that local charities need to develop long-term programming that makes lasting change.”
A full list of United Way-funded agencies is available online at unitedwayguelph.com.